Patagonia R4 Vest (Fall 2007)
Product Description
Features
Patagonia: Men's Lightweight R4 Vest - A vest that provides core warmth and stretchy, windproof protection for layering in cold conditions.Stubborn in the face of persistent gales, this vest provides windproof warmth where it?s most essential: your core. The modest insulation of our stretchy Lightweight R4? fabric prevents overheating, while unlaminated R1 fabric (now made with recycled polyester) side panels and collar enhance next-to-skin comfort and breathability. Seam-free shoulders improve pack-wearing comfort, and the hand pockets ride high, above the harness-line. When full conditions roll in, the slim fit easily accommodates a shell. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.
-Lightweight R4: 8.4-oz Polartec? Windbloc? laminate combines a polyester micro-fleece face with R1? (Polartec Power Dry?) grid polyester on the inside. R1 Panels: 6.5-oz 98% (60% recycled), 2% spandex (Polartec Power Dry) treated with a wicking finish. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
-Greater thermal versatility, more technical and stretchier than the traditional R4
-Low nap microfleece face is lightweight and durable
-Full-stretch Polartec? Windbloc? middle layer is laminated between the face and interior fabrics
-New R1, non-laminated, fabric (made with recycled polyester content) panels along torso and in collar reduce bulk and increase breathability while providing next-to-skin comfort
-Inside zip chest pocket
-Offset shoulder and side seams for comfort while wearing a pack
-Slim fit accommodates a shell
-Imported.
-Weight: 323 g (11.4 oz)"Windproof and stretchy but modestly insulated, the Lightweight R4® better suits high-output endeavors in blustery weather than its burlier R4 counterpart. The unlaminated side panels and collar enhance next-to-skin neck comfort and breathability, while seam-free shoulders improve pack-wearing comfort. When full conditions roll in, the contoured cut easily accommodates a shell.
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delmarco - Feb 29, 2008 1:31 am - Voted 3/5
Looks great but....It can also be that I'm beginning to prefer slim/light softshell over bulkier fleece material for vests.
For $135 this vest cost more than the Micro Puff vest for reasons unknown to me since the Micro Puff inherently has more performance and warmth benefits.
That said, This vest was not worth the money for what you could buy elsewhere. Also the older 1990s Patagonia USA-Made PEF Fleece Vests can be bought on eBay for as little as lunch money. So I felt guilty and stupid for dropping so much on this vest when I didn't really get much more from it than something that would've been a lot cheaper
PROS: Looks great. Slim profile, not too bulky in cut. Warm pockets and collar.
CONS: Fit was a little off for me (too narrow to layer-up under or armpit holes too big when you get a bigger size), fleece quality/ longevity questionable. Price!